Good italian restaurant near 45th street and 8th avenue?

I'm going to the city Saturday night and am looking for a good Italian restaurant for $25 or less per person. Needs to be within a couple blocks of 45th street and 8th avenue. Something nice but not too fancy for a date. Can someone help me out?

The one time we ate at Trecolori (last April) the food was decidedly sub-par (no better than say a Tutta Pasta) and the atmosphere was decidedly un-datey. I was very surprised given the affection shown toward it here by people I respect.

This place is good for out-of-of-towners seeking "Italian near theater district" area. Based on a couple of times that we've been, both times with out-of-towners looking for "Italian in theater district", the food were sub-par when compared with a lot of others within a 20 minute cab ride radius. Also, agree that the atmosphere is definitely not one where I would bring a date to. Plenty of truly better date-atmosphere Italian, but not in the area.

We started going to Trecolori back when it was in its original 47th St. location, and after it moved to its current space on 45th, we had lunch several times. We always found the food to be nicely prepared and tasty. In essence, very good for what it is -- traditional Italian-American fare. Thus, I never had any hesitation about recommending it on this board. However, we have not been there in quite a long time. There have been very few reports of sub-par food, so it's hard for me to judge exactly what is going on. One of these days, we shall have to return so I can find out for myself.

A 20-minute cab ride in every direction? Of course, you can find Italian restaurants far superior to Trecolori. But it would be foolhardy to compare it to such places as Lincoln or Ai Fiori.

For a date I really don't think Trattoria Trecolori is appropriate. The place is full of parties of eight and grandmas treating their 12 year old granddaughters to dinner and a show. A smaller place that's family run and does a lively business is Basilica on 9th Avenue between 46th & 47th. If you are early enough for the pre-theater special it's quite a deal.

I 2nd (or is it 3rd) Trattoria Trecolori. The large parties and loud patrons are only during the pre-theater dinner rush hour. If you're willing to dine after 7:30pm (or even later), the atmosphere is generally fantastic and works very well for a date.

One of the times I called to make a reservation, the restaurant specifically recommended dining later so you can avoid the pre-theater crowd which can turn the restaurant into a mob scene.

I suggest Becco at 46th between 8th and 9th. Their Sinfonia di Paste is a bargain at 22.95/per person. Salad, grilled vegetables and three pastas served table side, as much as you want. All fresh. It is a Lidia Bastianich restaurant, In the heart of the theater district, so it gets very crowded at peak times. The food is excellent though.

I must disagree strongly that Becco is a good choice. Yes, the ayce pasta special is cheap. But the last time we were there a few years ago, the pastas were mediocre at best. Furthermore, they've jammed as many tables as is humanly possibly into each room so that seating was uncomfortably close, and the noise level was so hideously high that we had to shout in order to communicate. Needless to say, that last time was our *last* time.

When Becco first opened many years ago, it was a very good restaurant with none of its current faults. Unfortunately, because of Lidia's subsequent fame, it's become a victim of its own success.

There are far better alternatives for Italian food in that general vicinity. Imo, Becco should be avoided.

I will be on the recommending side of Becco. The e pasta special is surely a good deal. Although they all might not be great, one of them is always very good. The veal chop at Becco happens to be excellent. Also, Lidia is there quite often and I happen to like that woman a lot. There's a Jewish Italian restaurant next door, that caught my eye. I forgot the name, but I had good Italian food in the Jewish section of Rome, and in the Jewish section of Venice. So it might be good.

I agree with the above comment. Those 3 pastas can be hit or miss. If I would go I'd probably skip the pastas and order something else - had a nice sausage there last time. The big problem for me is after some vino its tough to determine whether I'm a rooster or a hen (when looking at the bathroom door). Personally I prefer the much less touristy Il Melograno on 10th and don't think I'll ever be back at Becco. Too many good options in the city

Very true, but I responded with Becco because the OP stated, "Needs to be within a couple blocks of 45th street and 8th avenue." I can name 10 other Italian restaurants in NYC I'd go to before Becco, but that would not have answered the OP's request.

I continue to like Becco, especially in that area. Ive never tried Il Melograno, but glad you mention it , as it gives me a new option to try. I hate the stupid signs on toilets these days, I've walked into the ladies room in 3 or 4 places by mistake.

There's one restaurant that I cannot remember the name of right now where to this day I literally have to guess at which is the ladies and which is the gents. It's not that they are unisex, because once you are in the men's room it is definitely a men's room. it's just that the design of the signs on the doors are so "artsy" that they are confusing.

Gallo Nero on 44th right off of 9th has a reasonably priced Italian menu. It's a small quiet space which might be nice for a date. If you select carefully you can stay at or near your budget (not including drinks).

I don't like Gallo Nero because it can be deafeningly loud and cramped. Has anyone tried Cara Mia on 9th? They have a 20 dollar price fixed after 8 on their website that looks like a good deal. Would love to know if the food is ok.